Doncaster Rovers' development pathway produced an encouraging display on Tuesday as a group of U16 players featured prominently in a penalty shootout defeat to Rochdale.
Lead professional development coach Ryan Cresswell praised the younger squad members for stepping up, particularly goalscorer Dylan Hartley. "It's a very good goal technically, really good," Cresswell said. "I've seen Dylan do that in training this pre-season, so I'm not surprised. I'm just glad that everybody's got to witness it. He is a young lad that is jumping at the bit to get a chance, and he got a chance today and took it."
Young players impress
Harry Hird returned to the squad after time away, while Charlie Pinder and Callum Byrne also featured. Cresswell highlighted Byrne's commitment, noting he had played the first half of the U16s game on Saturday to build match fitness before returning for minutes with the senior squad on the same day and playing the full game on Tuesday.
On the penalty shootout loss, Cresswell said: "With penalties, it's anybody's. It's almost a lottery, but you've still got to put yourself in the best position to win. The lads that stepped up, credit to them. Their goalkeeper made a couple of good saves for them, but we have hit the target and that's all you can ask."
Focus on decision-making ahead of Grimsby test
Cresswell outlined plans for the week ahead, telling the club: "Decision making when recognising behaviours on the pitch. Recognising scenarios and circumstances that implement our decision making. That's exactly what we're going to be doing on Thursday in the build up for Friday's game."
Doncaster face Grimsby on Friday. Cresswell expects a stern test, saying: "I expect Grimsby to come and be a well organised side. I think they'll put it on us a bit. We've got some of their clips that we'll be going through and we'll do as much preparation as usual."
